Ponchatoula.com

06/02/2026

SUPER SCHOLARS: PHS Special Education Teacher GLENDA DUFRECHE

With 58 years of service to Tangipahoa Parish School System, Glenda Ernest Dufreche is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities and currently leads the Life Skills class at Ponchatoula High School.

Her students enjoy serving-learning projects funded through grants provided by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. Since 2017, her students have participated in beautification efforts throughout Ponchatoula and partnered with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home to support residents through engaging monthly activities. Students also practice vital life skills, such as shopping and mailing letters, through hand-on experiences with local businesses and organizations.

Glenda was honored as the 2024 Junior Auxiliary of Tangipahoa Woman of the Year and received the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annie Award. She and her husband of 56 years, William S. Dufreche, former Tangipahoa Parish Assessor, treasure time with their extended family. Their home, especially during Christmas, reflects a life rooted in faith, family, and community. Glenda’s belief in her students and their potential is unmatched.

Glenda, thank you for sharing your passion with students in our community!

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Featured in the May 2026 edition of The Ponchatoula Post.

Connect with your community with the Ponchatoula Post monthly newsletter! Subscribe for free at Ponchatoula.com.

06/02/2026

⭐Congratulations⭐ to our first 2026 winner:

Olivia Spring of Ponchatoula

Olivia, 10, is a kind and compassionate young lady whose honesty and caring heart shine through in everything she does. She is always quick to do the right thing, whether it’s returning a lost cell phone or running across a parking lot to return money someone dropped. Olivia has a servant’s heart and loves helping others in her community, including providing cold drinks and treats to sanitation workers on trash day for several years. She has proudly served on the Beta Team at her school for the past two years, helping make meal bags for the local food pantry. Olivia’s kindness, leadership, and selfless spirit continue to leave a lasting impact on everyone around her, and this summer she will attend the National Beta Convention in Nashville.

Great job, Olivia. Keep up the good work!

Our Bikes for Kids program is all about rewarding GREAT kids like Olivia. Everyone here at the Parker Layrisson Law Firm wishes you a great summer with your new bike!

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Looking for your next role? We've got two amazing shows coming up! Audition for A Christmas Carol on August 24 & 25 and for Cats on November 16 & 17. Keep an eye on our social media and our website (columbiatheatre.org/auditions) as more information becomes available!

06/01/2026

Looking for something fun to do with your kids? Registration is now open for the Youth Fishing Rodeo at Zemurray Park in Hammond!

This family-friendly event is for youth ages 5-15. Check in is from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m., and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This is a FREE event; however, registration is required to win a prize.

Sign up at https://forms.gle/fvNsh6vcjz9vuvY7A

05/31/2026

EVERYDAY BRAVERY: Trey "Boo" Landry, PVFD

For 28 years, Trey “Boo” Landry has shown up for the people of Ponchatoula as a member of the Ponchatoula Volunteer Fire Department. Named 2nd Assistant Fire Chief in 2020, Trey provides immediate emergency response, helping and healing our neighbors when they need it most.

Trey also leads many PVFD community protection and prevention programs, such as fire safety education and emergency medical response skills classes, to help prevent disasters before they ever happen.

Trey and his wife Natalie have been married for 31 years and are the proud parents of Brittany and Bryce and grandparents to “the most awesome kids in the world” Weston Joseph (2) and Lainey Anne (2 months). Trey also works as the Safety Manager at Elmer’s Chocolate.

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Featured in the May 2026 edition of The Ponchatoula Post.

Connect with your community with the Ponchatoula Post monthly newsletter! Subscribe for free at Ponchatoula.com.

05/30/2026

Help a Great Kid Win a Free Bike This Summer!
Nominate now at BikesForKidsLA.com.

05/29/2026

PARKER'S PICK: Ned Welles Memorial Scholarship

Ned Welles was an amazing young man. I was blessed to be his friend. His family Cathy, Sparky and Catie are the best. A gifted scholar and talented athlete, Ned was a graduate of Trafton Academy, Ponchatoula High School, and Millsaps College.

This scholarship honors Ned’s enduring legacy by supporting students at Ponchatoula High and Millsaps College, helping them to achieve their educational goals. Funds are raised through the annual New Welles Memorial BBQ in May and the Golfin’ Dollars for Scholars Golf Scramble in October. Both are always a fantastic time for a great cause.

The Ned Welles Memorial Scholarship has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships to local students!

Congratulations to the 2026 Ned Welles Sportsmanship Award and Scholarship recipients from Ponchatoula High: (Left to right) Kaitlynn Barton, Abbigail Dagro, Blake Rodi, Catie Welles, Curtis Core, Tyler Christian, Katie Addison, and Alexis Schmidt.

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Featured in the May 2026 edition of The Ponchatoula Post.

Connect with your community with the Ponchatoula Post monthly newsletter! Subscribe for free at Ponchatoula.com.

05/29/2026

If you want to know what’s really happening in our community—the people, the stories, the moments that matter — you’re going to love The Ponchatoula Post.

This monthly publication is built for one purpose: to celebrate Ponchatoula and the extraordinary people who make it home.

Here’s what you’ll find inside our monthly issues:

Family Fun -- Out and about with local families
Taste of Tangi -- The best local food and restaurants
Shop Local -- Spotlighting businesses that keep Ponchatoula thriving
Ponchatoula Live -- Interesting conversations with local people
Local Legends -- Honoring those who shape our town
Super Scholars -- Students and teachers leading the way
Cops Who Care -- Recognizing those who serve and protect
Healthcare Heroes -- Caregivers making a real difference
Everyday Bravery -- Celebrating our emergency responders
Bikes for Kids -- Highlighting children who deserve recognition
Join the Club -- Featuring local charities, churches, and civic groups
In the Kitchen -- Recipes from our family to yours
In the Garden -- Beautiful local gardens in full bloom

My parents, Eddie and Celeste Layrisson, taught me to appreciate and support this community. That foundation led me to create Ponchatoula Live and now, The Ponchatoula Post.

This isn’t just a publication. It’s a reflection of who we are. We want to hear from you. Tell us what stories we should share, who we should feature, and what makes you proud to call Ponchatoula home.

To get The Ponchatoula Post in your mailbox every month, subscribe for free at Ponchatoula.com.

Presented by Parker Layrisson

The Ponchatoula Post is Your Inside Track to Community.